Some kitchens are cozy. This one was claustrophobic. The bungalow’s original kitchen had all the classic problems: closed off from the rest of the home, jam-packed prep, cooking, and cleaning zones, and storage that never quite measured up. To make matters worse, the homeowners had already built a dream outdoor kitchen through the sliding door to the deck, which only made the inside kitchen’s shortcomings more obvious.
They didn’t just want more storage; they wanted a functional space where cooking, prepping, and cleaning weren’t all squeezed into the same corner.
Rearranging the Puzzle
The first order of business was rethinking the layout. The range was moved to the outside wall, finally allowing a powerful vent hood to send spices and smoke outside instead of lingering. The refrigerator found a new home on a previously unused wall, while the sink shifted to the range’s old location. Suddenly, the prep-cook-clean triangle made sense.
And speaking of sense—out went the solid walls around the stairway. Replaced with sleek new half walls capped in quartz, this design change opened the kitchen to the dining room, brightened the stairwell with natural light, and conveniently created a perfect ledge for extra serving space. Guests now gravitate toward the new wine bar tucked beside the stair opening, a thoughtful addition where friends can sip and chat without crowding the chef.
Surprises Behind the Walls
Of course, no remodel is without its “are you kidding me?” moments. Once demolition began, carpenters uncovered a grab bag of construction sins. The outside wall had no proper framing—just furring strips holding up the old cabinets. Plumbing was… let’s call it “creative.” And a previous remodel had inexplicably framed in a window to the garage. All of these were corrected: new 2×6 walls with proper batt insulation now provide structure, warmth, and the peace of mind that fully-loaded cabinets won’t come crashing down.
Built for a Chef
This household has a serious cook, which meant upgrading to a professional-grade gas range. The gas line was moved to the exterior wall, and the new hood finally provides the kind of exhaust power a chef deserves. Lighting also got an overhaul: dimmable recessed ceiling lights and under-cabinet strips replaced the old ceiling fan, washing the space in bright, even light.
Comfort and Clever Storage
The floor went from sad peel-and-stick vinyl to heated tile—an upgrade the couple’s two large dogs quickly claimed as their personal winter spa. To maximize flexibility, two base cabinets on heavy-duty casters were added near the refrigerator. Locking together with magnets, they form a movable island: part prep station, part serving cart, part genius idea.
The farmhouse sink rounds out the upgrades, fitted with a custom cutting board to double as a work surface. With the walls removed, the sink now enjoys a new view—straight through the open stairway to the dining area and wine bar.
The Finished Space
What was once a cramped, dark kitchen is now a bright, open, chef-ready hub of the home. Guests sip, dogs sprawl on warm tile, and the homeowners finally have a kitchen that matches both their lifestyle and their love of cooking.
